If you know you are going to be riding in dusty area where grit sticking to the chain can be a problem then try using graphite powder. Small tupperware container and applied with old (or your mates) toothbrush stops all the Richtersveld dust sticking to your chain.

Chain lube is for the contact between chain and sprocket teeth, where the grease sealed around the pins cannot reach.

...

Not quite correct. A (well maintained) roller chain does not show significant sliding motion between the rollers and the sprocket. That was Mr. Reynold's ingenious invention. The roller (as the name suggests) rolls in and out of the sprocket as it engages and disengages. The sliding motion (and a significant amount) happens between the roller and the bush, this part of the chain (in an o- or x-ring chain) is NOT sealed.The lubrication between the roller and the bush is needed and crucial for the functioning and long service life of the chain.Since it's a rather small space between roller and bush your chain lube has to be of very low viscosity when you apply it. Something called "capillary effect" will suck the lube into the space between roller and bush.Once the lube is in there it should solidify into a thick greasy consistency to make sure it stays in there for longer instead of being thrown out by the centrifugal forces from the chain running around the sprockets and flung off.

If you do not lube the rollers they will quickly seize and stop turning on the bushes. Now you have sliding motion between the rollers and sprocket as the chain engages and disengages the sprocket and the rollers and sprockets will wear rapidly.

The o-ring or x-ring seals only seal the space between the bush and pin. This is where the chain links pivot relative to their neighbours to move around the sprockets.

Logged

"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." (Red Adair)

Chain lube is for the contact between chain and sprocket teeth, where the grease sealed around the pins cannot reach.

...

Not quite correct. A (well maintained) roller chain does not show significant sliding motion between the rollers and the sprocket. That was Mr. Reynold's ingenious invention. The roller (as the name suggests) rolls in and out of the sprocket as it engages and disengages. The sliding motion (and a significant amount) happens between the roller and the bush, this part of the chain (in an o- or x-ring chain) is NOT sealed.The lubrication between the roller and the bush is needed and crucial for the functioning and long service life of the chain.Since it's a rather small space between roller and bush your chain lube has to be of very low viscosity when you apply it. Something called "capillary effect" will suck the lube into the space between roller and bush.Once the lube is in there it should solidify into a thick greasy consistency to make sure it stays in there for longer instead of being thrown out by the centrifugal forces from the chain running around the sprockets and flung off.

If you do not lube the rollers they will quickly seize and stop turning on the bushes. Now you have sliding motion between the rollers and sprocket as the chain engages and disengages the sprocket and the rollers and sprockets will wear rapidly.

The o-ring or x-ring seals only seal the space between the bush and pin. This is where the chain links pivot relative to their neighbours to move around the sprockets.

Thank you for sharing Lecap! It is always a pleasure reading of the mechanical workings of all the bike parts!

Is chain lube realy necessary ? I can't recall ever seen on a x-ring or o-ring packet that it is a requirement to lube the chain. Has anybody ever tried to fit a chain, ride it without lube and see how long it would last ?

I've stopped lubing my chain, and from visual inspection and chain tension requirements it seems like it is actually lasting longer.

I do however ride mostly off-road, and any lube on a chain just turns to grinding paste if it ingests dust. With lube the sprocket surfaces turn shiny and polished from wear, without lube they stay dull.

"I will start off by saying that I am a worthless squid rookie and I suck at everything in life.I was about to go for a ride today and my chain was pretty nasty, so I put it up on the stands and got out the wd-40 and a rag. I started the bike, put it in gear and let it idle. I sprayed the chain down really well and I put the rag up to it and it got caught and took my hand with it through the rear sprocket. I had to have everything above my last joint amputated on my index, pointer and my ring finger on my right hand. Thankfully I am left handed. It was a stupid mistake on my part and now I will forever pay the price for it. Say what you will, flame away, I don't care. I have accepted it and I take full responsibility. I made a choice (not knowing any better) and I will live with the consequences for the rest of my life. I thought I would post this so that 1.) no one else ever makes this mistake and 2.) To show that you don't have to be riding for a bike to get you hurt".

Eina bliksim..... I did the same on my 1st bike when I was 15. Fortunately a 50cc and it stalled with only my thumb between the chain and rear sprocket. It is 35 years later and the thumb still looks nasty...